Gov. Sandoval to Chair Western Governors' Association

The Western Governors' Association has selected Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval as its new chairman.

Member governors unanimously selected Sandoval Wednesday, the last day of a three-day annual conference in Colorado Springs. The conference has included discussions on dealing with wildfires, drought, and energy development in the West.

Sandoval had been serving as co-chair of the group. He is replacing Colorado Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper as chair.

Oregon Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber will be co-chair of the group.

Ten Western governors attended the conference. (AP)

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Western Governors’ Association for the coming year,” said Governor Sandoval. “Now more than ever, western states are facing a wide range of interconnected issues that have the potential to harm our economies. The WGA is known for its fierce bipartisanship and I look forward to working with all western governors to promote promising and effective policy for our respective states.”

“I would also like to thank Governor Hickenlooper for his leadership of the WGA over the past year,” Sandoval added. “Governor Hickenlooper truly embodies the spirit of the WGA and has kept it true to its purpose. I look forward to the chance to build on the work he has done.”Governor Sandoval also announced the creation of the Western Governors Drought Forum which will be the Chairman’s initiative for the next year. The goal of the initiative will be to bring western states together to combat drought, and to recommit the WGA to play a leading role in these efforts. Part of the initiative will include a series of meetings to facilitate a dialogue about best practices for drought management, water, energy, and agriculture.

“Drought still threatens this country’s recovery from one of the worst economic recessions any of us have known,” said Governor Sandoval. “The goal of the Western Governors Drought Forum will be to foster partnerships and collaboration between western states to better predict and manage drought in the years ahead. We will look to and embrace local, state, and private sector expertise to assist our states and the WGA in achieving these goals.”

In dramatic fashion the Nevada women’s basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak thanks to an 85-78 overtime victory over Utah State Saturday afternoon in Lawlor Events Center. The Wolf Pack (12-13, 5-9 MW) led by 10 at halftime but the Aggies (5-21, 3-12 MW) clawed their way back into contention in the second half.

In dramatic fashion the Nevada women’s basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak thanks to an 85-78 overtime victory over Utah State Saturday afternoon in Lawlor Events Center. The Wolf Pack (12-13, 5-9 MW) led by 10 at halftime but the Aggies (5-21, 3-12 MW) clawed their way back into contention in the second half.

A student with a weapon caused a code red lockdown at Pine Middle School in Reno Thursday afternoon. School district officials have not yet specified what the weapon was, but the student's father says it was a knife.

A student with a weapon caused a code red lockdown at Pine Middle School in Reno Thursday afternoon. School district officials have not yet specified what the weapon was, but the student's father says it was a knife.